The Gist
State Representative, 72nd District
Photo of Kirk Haston
Kirk HastonOfficial portrait — Tennessee General Assembly

Kirk Haston

Candidate for State Representative, 72nd District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; school health coordinator
Lives in
Lobelville

Elected to the House in 2018 and now in his fourth term representing District 72 (Chester, Decatur, Perry and parts of Hardin and Henderson counties); chair of the House K-12 Subcommittee. A former Indiana University basketball player and 2001 NBA first-round draft pick who later worked as a teacher and school health coordinator.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Tennessee General Assembly

Documented positions

Education

  • Sponsored review of how TISA counts disadvantaged studentsIn office

    Prime sponsor of HB2485 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted; took effect May 21, 2026. The TISA review committee must include recommendations in its annual report.

    Legislation sponsored by Representative Kirk Haston, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: HB2485 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “recommendations for how this state may revise the ways in which it identifies economically disadvantaged students”
    Report

Health & human services

  • Sponsored law helping Linden and Parsons hospitals keep critical-access statusIn office

    Prime sponsor of HB0843 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted; took effect April 11, 2025. It declares the two hospitals necessary providers for critical access hospital eligibility.

    Legislation sponsored by Representative Kirk Haston, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: HB0843 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “declares Perry County Community Hospital in Linden and Decatur County General Hospital in Parsons to be necessary providers”
    Report

Government & transparency

  • Sponsored law putting new officials in the state pension systemIn office

    Prime sponsor of HB0535 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted (Public Chapter 367); covers certain public officials, including legislators, who take office on or after July 1, 2025.

    Legislation sponsored by Representative Kirk Haston, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: HB0535 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “who take office on or after July 1, 2025, have mandatory membership in the Tennessee consolidated retirement system (TCRS)”
    Report

All sources (13)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.